Mitsubishi Sapporo: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Mitsubishi Sapporo offers two fundamentally different choices. The 1 generation, produced from April 1978 to September 1984, is a Coupe with RWD and 1.6 MT, 1.6 AT, 2.0 MT, and 2.0 AT versions. The 2 generation, produced from June 1987 to August 1990, is a Sedan with FWD and four 2.4 MT or 2.4 AT versions distinguished by power.
The Mitsubishi Sapporo offers two fundamentally different choices. The 1 generation, produced from April 1978 to September 1984, is a Coupe with RWD and 1.6 MT, 1.6 AT, 2.0 MT, and 2.0 AT versions. The 2 generation, produced from June 1987 to August 1990, is a Sedan with FWD and four 2.4 MT or 2.4 AT versions distinguished by power. Buyers seeking the highest output and top speed should focus on the 129 hp 2.4 MT, while the 124 hp 2.4 MT has the quickest measured 0–100 km/h time and the lowest measured combined consumption. The earlier Coupe is the choice for RWD, but most of its performance, economy, and weight figures were not measured.
Mitsubishi Sapporo generations: Coupe or Sedan?
The 1 generation ran from April 1978 to September 1984. It is a Coupe with 14 modifications in the data, of which 12 are shown. Every listed version uses RWD, an inline Gasoline engine, and either a 5-speed Manual or 3-speed Automatic transmission. Engine choices comprise the 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT with 1,597 cc and 75 hp, plus multiple 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT specifications producing 90, 98, 102, 107, or 112 hp. Ground clearance is 160 mm throughout the listed range.
The 2 generation ran from June 1987 to August 1990. It changed the Sapporo into a Sedan with FWD and four modifications: 2.4 MT with 124 hp, 2.4 AT with 124 hp, 2.4 MT with 129 hp, and 2.4 AT with 129 hp. All use a 2,351 cc inline 4-cylinder Gasoline engine without boost. The Manual has 5 speeds, while the Automatic has 4. Unlike the earlier generation, this range includes kerb-weight and gross-weight figures, as well as measured performance and consumption data for several versions.
The generational decision is therefore clear: choose the 1 generation for the Coupe body and RWD layout, or the 2 generation for a Sedan, FWD, greater output, and substantially more complete measurable specifications.
Mitsubishi Sapporo engine and transmission specs
Because several modifications share exactly the same database name, power is included beside every repeated 2.0 MT, 2.0 AT, 2.4 MT, and 2.4 AT entry.
| Generation and exact version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — 1.6 MT | 75 hp | not measured | 1,597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation — 1.6 AT | 75 hp | not measured | 1,597 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 MT (90 hp) | 90 hp | not measured | 1,995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 AT (90 hp) | 90 hp | not measured | 1,995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 MT (98 hp) | 98 hp | not measured | 1,995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 AT (98 hp) | 98 hp | not measured | 1,995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 MT (102 hp) | 102 hp | 162 Nm | 1,995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 AT (102 hp) | 102 hp | 162 Nm | 1,995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 MT (107 hp) | 107 hp | not measured | 1,995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 AT (107 hp) | 107 hp | not measured | 1,995 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 MT (112 hp) | 112 hp | not measured | 2,000 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| 1 generation — 2.0 AT (112 hp) | 112 hp | not measured | 2,000 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 2 generation — 2.4 MT (124 hp) | 124 hp | 189 Nm | 2,351 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.4 AT (124 hp) | 124 hp | 189 Nm | 2,351 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.4 MT (129 hp) | 129 hp | 193 Nm | 2,351 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | FWD |
| 2 generation — 2.4 AT (129 hp) | 129 hp | 193 Nm | 2,351 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
Within the 1 generation, calculated specific output rises from about 47.0 hp per litre in the 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT to 56.0 hp per litre in the 112 hp 2.0 MT and 2.0 AT. The 112 hp versions provide 37 hp more than the 75 hp versions, an increase of about 49.3%.
The 2 generation’s 124 hp engine produces about 52.7 hp per litre, while the 129 hp specification reaches about 54.9 hp per litre. Choosing 129 hp adds 5 hp and 4 Nm over the 124 hp tune. No listed Sapporo has boost, so the supplied specifications do not identify a Mitsubishi Sapporo turbo version.
Mitsubishi Sapporo performance and fuel economy
| Exact version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City consumption | Highway consumption | Combined consumption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 MT | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 1.6 AT | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 MT (90 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 AT (90 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 MT (98 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 AT (98 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 MT (102 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 AT (102 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 MT (107 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 AT (107 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 MT (112 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.0 AT (112 hp) | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| 2.4 MT (124 hp) | 10.3 s | 190 km/h | 13.0 | 6.8 | 9.4 |
| 2.4 AT (124 hp) | 11.2 s | 185 km/h | 12.9 | 7.3 | 9.7 |
| 2.4 MT (129 hp) | not measured | 195 km/h | 12.4 | 7.1 | 9.6 |
| 2.4 AT (129 hp) | not measured | 190 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
Consumption values are presented in the units supplied by the data. Among versions with complete figures, the 124 hp 2.4 MT has the lowest combined result at 9.4, which is 0.2 below the 129 hp 2.4 MT and 0.3 below the 124 hp 2.4 AT. The 129 hp 2.4 MT records the lowest city figure at 12.4, beating the 124 hp 2.4 AT by 0.5 and the 124 hp 2.4 MT by 0.6. On the highway, however, the 124 hp 2.4 MT is best at 6.8.
For directly measured acceleration, the 124 hp 2.4 MT reaches 100 km/h 0.9 seconds sooner than the 124 hp 2.4 AT. Its top speed is also 5 km/h higher. Comparing like-powered transmission choices shows the same 5 km/h Manual advantage in the 129 hp pair: 195 km/h for the 2.4 MT and 190 km/h for the 2.4 AT.
Mitsubishi Sapporo dimensions, weight, and practical specifications
| Generation and exact version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 generation — every listed version | not measured | not measured | 160 mm | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation — 2.4 MT (124 hp) | 1,255 kg | 1,780 kg | 155 mm | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation — 2.4 AT (124 hp) | 1,270 kg | 1,780 kg | 155 mm | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation — 2.4 MT (129 hp) | 1,245 kg | 1,780 kg | 155 mm | not measured | not measured |
| 2 generation — 2.4 AT (129 hp) | 1,260 kg | 1,780 kg | 155 mm | not measured | not measured |
The 129 hp 2.4 MT is both the lightest and most powerful 2 generation version. Its calculated weight-to-power ratio is about 9.65 kg per hp, compared with about 10.12 kg per hp for the 124 hp 2.4 MT, 10.24 kg per hp for the 124 hp 2.4 AT, and 9.77 kg per hp for the 129 hp 2.4 AT.
For either power level, choosing Automatic adds 15 kg over the corresponding Manual version. All four Sedan specifications share the same 1,780 kg gross weight and 155 mm ground clearance. The earlier Coupe provides 5 mm more ground clearance at 160 mm, but its kerb and gross weights were not measured, preventing a valid weight-to-power comparison with the later cars. Tank capacity and wheel sizes were not measured for any listed version.
Which Mitsubishi Sapporo version should you buy?
For the strongest numerical performance case, choose the 129 hp 2.4 MT. It has the range’s highest output at 129 hp, highest torque at 193 Nm, highest listed top speed at 195 km/h, and best calculated weight-to-power ratio at about 9.65 kg per hp. Its city consumption of 12.4 is also the lowest measured city result. Its 0–100 km/h figure was not measured.
For the best all-round balance of verified acceleration and economy, choose the 124 hp 2.4 MT. It has the quickest measured 0–100 km/h time at 10.3 seconds, the lowest highway consumption at 6.8, and the lowest combined consumption at 9.4. Compared with the 124 hp 2.4 AT, it is 15 kg lighter, 0.9 seconds quicker to 100 km/h, 5 km/h faster, and 0.3 lower in combined consumption.
Choose the 124 hp 2.4 AT if Automatic is essential and you want the most complete set of measured figures. It provides 189 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 11.2 seconds, and has a 185 km/h top speed. The 129 hp 2.4 AT offers 5 hp and 4 Nm more, weighs 10 kg less, and reaches a 5 km/h higher top speed than the 124 hp 2.4 AT, but its acceleration and consumption were not measured.
Within the 1 generation, the 112 hp 2.0 MT is the strongest Manual choice on power alone, while the 112 hp 2.0 AT is its Automatic counterpart. Both have 37 hp more than the 1.6 MT and 1.6 AT. However, their torque, acceleration, top speed, consumption, and weight were not measured, so the data cannot establish whether either delivers better real-world performance or economy.
The final choice depends on the layout as much as the engine. The 1 generation supplies a Coupe body, RWD, and 160 mm clearance; the 2 generation supplies a Sedan body, FWD, and 155 mm clearance. On measurable specifications, the 129 hp 2.4 MT is the performance pick, while the 124 hp 2.4 MT is the most convincing economy-and-acceleration compromise. Prices, current availability, problems, and reliability were not measured, so they cannot support a version recommendation here.